"There is something in mountains that other forms of landscapes cannot equal, except, perhaps, for the deep ocean.

People might like the seaside, or the plains, but I have not found, so far, anyone obsessed with exposing his belly to the sun and the watch of seasiders. Yet, most climbers and scuba divers seem to be truly fanatical about their business.

One of the reasons for this might well be that heights and depths invite mystery and curiosity, while most places where you would go to rest and forget about your daily problems invite brain inactivity. Your mind is what matters."